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Canon G7X Mark II vs. G7X Mark III: What's the Difference?
Annika Jansen
What is the difference between the Canon G7X Mark II and the Canon G7X Mark III?
The Canon G7X Mark II and Canon G7X Mark III are compact cameras beloved by photographers and vloggers alike. Both models combine a bright 1-inch sensor with a fast zoom lens in a compact body, making them popular for travel, everyday use and content creation. Yet there are notable differences, especially in the areas of video, connectivity and ease of use. Curious about the biggest differences and why you should upgrade to the Mark III? In this article we lay out the most important differences, unique features and technical specifications clearly.
What are the main differences between the Canon G7X Mark II and Mark III?
Although the Canon G7X Mark II and Mark III look very similar on the outside, there are clear differences under the hood. The Canon G7X Mark III is aimed at content creators and vloggers: this camera offers 4K video without crop, a microphone input and the ability to live-stream directly to YouTube. The autofocus of the Mark III is faster and more precise, which is particularly noticeable in video and action. The Mark II still offers excellent photo quality and ease of use, but lacks the advanced video features of its successor. Charging via USB and the latest Bluetooth connectivity have also been added to the Mark III, so you can work more flexibly — especially if you film frequently, share content on the go, or want better audio quality for your videos.
Detailed comparison: Canon G7X Mark II versus Mark III
The table below gives a comprehensive overview of the most important specifications, so you can quickly see which compact camera better matches your photography or video work.
| Specification | Canon G7X Mark II | Canon G7X Mark III |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 1-inch CMOS, 20.1 megapixels | 1-inch CMOS, 20.1 megapixels |
| Image processor | DIGIC 7 | DIGIC 8 |
| Lens | 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 | 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 |
| Autofocus points | 31 points | 31 points (faster & more accurate) |
| Burst shooting | 8 fps | 20 fps (burst), 8 fps (standard) |
| Image stabilisation | Optical, up to 4 stops | Optical, up to 4 stops |
| Video | Full HD 60p | 4K 30p, Full HD 120p, live streaming |
| Microphone input | No | Yes (3.5 mm jack) |
| Screen | 3-inch, tiltable touchscreen | 3-inch, tiltable touchscreen |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C charging |
| RAW storage | Yes | Yes |
| Battery life (CIPA) | approx. 265 shots | approx. 235 shots |
| Weight | 319 g | 304 g |
| Extras | ND filter, pop-up flash | ND filter, pop-up flash, YouTube live stream |
| Colour | Black | Black and silver |
| Year released | 2016 | 2019 |
The table immediately shows where the Canon G7X Mark III distinguishes itself with extra video capabilities, faster autofocus and a microphone input. The Mark II remains an excellent choice for those who primarily photograph or want a simple, lightweight camera. This lets you determine precisely which model best fits your way of working.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Canon G7X Mark II?
Advantages
- Compact and lightweight design, easy to take anywhere.
- Bright 1-inch sensor delivers sharp photos with beautiful colours.
- Fast lens (f/1.8–2.8) ensures good performance in low light.
- Tilting touchscreen, ideal for selfies and creative angles.
- User-friendly controls, quickly familiar for beginners.
- Optical image stabilisation for sharp handheld results.
- Decent battery life for a compact camera.
Disadvantages
- No 4K video or slow-motion capabilities.
- No microphone input, less suited for vlogging with external audio.
- Charging only via a separate battery charger — no USB charging.
- Autofocus is less fast and less precise.
- No live-stream function or direct Bluetooth connectivity.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Canon G7X Mark III?
Advantages
- Support for 4K video and Full HD 120p for slow motion.
- Microphone input, ideal for vlogging and better audio quality.
- Ability to live-stream to YouTube without extra equipment.
- Faster and more precise autofocus, especially for video and action.
- Burst mode up to 20 frames per second for rapid sequences.
- USB-C charging, convenient on the go and flexible to use.
- Compact, lightweight and equipped with a tilting touchscreen.
Disadvantages
- Battery life is slightly shorter than the Mark II.
- Price is higher due to the extra video features.
- Menus and settings offer more options, which can take some getting used to for beginners.
- No viewfinder — you are dependent on the screen.
- The screen remains the same in terms of resolution and functionality compared with the Mark II.
Which model suits your way of working?
The Canon G7X Mark II is an excellent choice for those looking for a simple, reliable compact camera with a lightweight body and strong photo performance. This model is ideal for everyday use or as a travel companion where ease of use comes first.
The Canon G7X Mark III offers more possibilities for those who want to vlog, film or share content directly while on the go. Thanks to features such as 4K video, live-streaming and a microphone input, the Mark III provides extra creative freedom and flexibility. Both models are strong in image quality and ease of control, but the Mark III is clearly aimed at content creators who want just a little more from their camera. Choose the model that fits your ambitions and way of working.
